Salvation Army Boutique garage collapse results in no merchandise damage or injuries

MASSENA  The Massena Fire Department responded to a roof collapse Friday afternoon in the back storage area of the Salvation Army Boutique, 170 Highland Road.

The fire department arrived shortly after 3 p.m. and was assisted by Massena Rescue, the villages Department of Public Works, St. Lawrence Gas and the Massena Electric Department.

All it was was the cold storage area, its the garage area. But the apartments in this building appear to be OK at this time, Massena Fire Chief Thomas C. Miller said. So what had collapsed was the garage area, which had a flat roof. We think what happened was the ice came off the top and went onto that, which created a lot more weight and collapsed that.

No injuries or merchandise damage was reported.

My employees were there, but I wasnt. None of my merchandise was damaged, its all fine, Salvation Army Capt. Russell Crowsen said. Everyones still assessing whats going on, and I wont know everything else going on until Monday.

Mr. Miller said the garage area was heavily damaged.

I think its just cold storage. Theyve just got some storage back in there. It looks like all of the Salvation Army stuff is still fine, Mr. Miller added. Its severe damage, and its going to probably have to be torn right down and rebuilt.

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